JURY CONVICTS DENTIST ON MURDER ONE

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

After about 14 hours of deliberating over three days, a jury of five men and seven women found former Battle Ground dentist Jim Classen guilty of first degree murder in the 2005 slaying of his wife, EveAnn Classen.

Jury members were asked by the prosecutor to find Classen guilty of first or second degree murder. Defense argued for first or second degree manslaughter based on diminished mental capacity.

After rendering their verdict to Clark County Superior Court judge John Wulle, the jurors were asked to reconvene on Wednesday to consider aggravating factors.

Jurors will decide whether the victim was particlularly vulnerable, and if the killing was deliberate cruelty. If convicted on both, 8 years could be added to Classen's sentence. On Monday, jurors added two years to a possible 26 because of a "special finding" that the crime was committed with a deadly weapon.

No sentencing date was set.

On Feb. 8, 2005, about 2 a.m., Classen entered the home of his estranged wife and assaulted her while she slept in her bed.

EveAnn Classen was stabbed more than 70 times in the face and head, with 27 defense wounds on her arms and hands. There were more than 100 wounds in all.

The jury saw photos that were deemed "gruesome" and "grotesque" by both prosecution and defense teams. Classen's attorney Jon McMullen said the jury would believe the attack was "the work of a crazy man."

The couple had been separated for about two years. During that time, Classen moved out--first to their cabin near Beacon Rock, then to a duplex in Orchards.

The couple sought marriage counseling. About one year ago, Classen filed for divorce. After consideration, they chose one more time to try to save their 31-year marriage.

Around Christmas 2004, Classen became suspicious of his wife's behavior and friendship with another man, he said. In January 2005 EveAnn announced during a counseling session she didn't want to try anymore and wanted to proceed with a divorce.

Classen began stalking her, prosecutor Tony Golik said in closing arguments. He drove by her home at odd hours of the night and called often.

Court records show that at one time, Classen let the air out of his wife's vehicle tires while it was parked in her driveway.

A few days before the murder, EveAnn told her husband that she and her friend were physically intimate, Classen said.

That information, combined with his severe clinical depression, drove him over the edge into a "full-blown manic" episode typical in those with bi-polar disorder, the defense said.

McMullen's expert witness, Dr. Robert Julien, concluded that Classen suffered from bi-polar disease and went into an acute manic phase when he killed his wife.

Retired anesthesiologist David Shapiro said Classen should have been taking medication to stabilize his moods rather than two anti-depressants, Wellbutrin and Serzone. He said the lack of a mood stabilizer caused a "manic flip."

The prosecution challenged the idea. Golik's expert witnesses, Dr. Nitin Karnik and Dr. Barry Ward, said they found that Classen simply suffers from major depressive disorder and did not find any symptoms of bi-polar disease.

Karnik is a psychiatrist, and Ward is a psychologist, both employed at Western State Hospital.

Jurors agreed with Golik that Classen premeditated killing his wife the minute he picked up the sewing scissors in another room.

When asked during his videotaped confession if he knew he was going to kill his wife when he picked up the scissors, Classen said he did.

Golik said the legal definition of premeditation is "more than a moment in time."

Classen went to the house that early morning to see if his wife was alone, out all night again, or in bed with another man.

Classen entered the house through a back door and went up the stairs. The bedroom door is usually locked, Classen said on tape, and when he saw it was ajar "a rage came on me."

Classen grabbed the scissors out of a sewing room, went across the hall to the bedroom, turned on the light, and found his wife alone in bed, he said.

"These are the actions of someone who has a goal in mind," Golik told jurors. "He doesn't confront or try to talk. He gets scissors."

Golik said it seemed on tape that Classen tried to tell detectives that EveAnn deserved her death because "she was lying, she was cheating on him," and that Classen said he "didn't premeditate all that much."

But the defense team of McMullen and Seattle attorney Todd Maybrown presented the case as "shades of gray and degrees of responsibility."

McMullen said his client's history influenced why he stabbed his wife to death with scissors.

Classen's parents had mental health issues. His father was diagnosed as manic-depressive, now known as bi-polar. He was admitted to a state mental hospital and given shock treatments. He cut the tail off a family dog.

Classen and his siblings raised themselves while watching their parents self-medicate, McMullen said. The father disappeared from the family for years, and Classen's mother died in his arms when he was a young boy attempting CPR on her.

Classen served in Vietnam for a time, chose to become a dentist, met and married EveAnn, and then moved to rural Canada to provide dental work to indigents before moving back to Washington, McMullen said.

In 1994, Classen was nearly successful in a suicide attempt. He was diagnosed as bi-polar then, McMullen said, and given Lithium, a mood stabilizer, along with anti-depressants.

At some point, Classen no longer needed to take Lithium and was treated only for severe clinical depression over the last several years, witnesses said.

McMullen reminded jurors of witness testimony from Classen's two grown sons: they saw crying episodes, their father in a fetal position on the floor, and he was unable to walk without aid at times because he was so distraught.

"The last 30 years are replete with problems," McMullen said. "He's been dealing with this his entire life."

"You can be mentally ill, but that doesn't mean you're stupid," McMullen said of his client's actions when he killed EveAnn.

McMullen said Classen made no serious attempts to hide that he'd committed murder.

Classen left behind blood-smeared fingerprints on doorknobs and didn't attempt to hide the bloody clothes, towels and scissors very well, he said. The 3 1/4 inch blades on the scissors also proved that he didn't intend to kill, McMullen said. Classen could have chosen scissors with longer blades that were in the room.

"It's not the weapon of choice if you wanted to kill somebody," he told jurors. "It's not what you'd choose for that sort of macabre job."

"People don't kill people they plan to divorce," McMullen said.

McMullen said the brutality of the crime proves Classen was in a manic state.

"It was a frenzied attack," he said. "It was overkill. The fact is, he couldn't stop himself. If he couldn't form the intent to stop, then he couldn't form the intent to start. It was akin to a crime of passion. Rage is a hallmark characteristic of [bi-polar] rapid cycling [quickly into a rage and quickly out.]"

McMullen said the trial was not about winning and losing; the Classen family has already lost.

Two sons lost their mom. Future grandchildren lost a grandmother. A brother lost a sister.

And, "Jim's lost everything," McMullen said.

COURT SHORTENS FOX MANAGER CONTRACT

Bill Myers

staff reporter

A Clark County Superior court judge on April 21 ruled that a provision for a 4-year term in suspended Ridgefield city manager George Fox's contract is invalid.

Judge Roger Bennett's ruling came after arguments by attorneys representing Fox and the city.

Attorney John Stewart argued on behalf of the city that a Washington statute provides that city managers shall be appointed for "indefinite terms and may be removed."

Stewart said the contract should be void.

Fox's attorney Don Greig said the contract was properly executed by city officials who acted within their authority.

Bennett declined to void the document, but said his court could modify it.

Fox was suspended by the city last year for allegedly firing African-American police officer Carl Mealing because of race.

Mealing filed suit in federal court, alleging discrimination.

The city's position is that Fox's actions were outside of his authority as a city manager. City officials are refusing to pay for Fox's legal defense.

Fox had requested a hearing on his contract by a U.S. Arbitration Court in Oregon. A hearing date was not set pending Bennett's ruling.

Asked if Bennett's ruling allows the city to terminate the contract, Stewart said he and Ridgefield city attorney Mike Wynne will need to consult on the matter.

STUDENTS EXPELLED FOR BRINGING GUN ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Two students in the Battle Ground School District have been expelled after they were located on Yacolt Primary School grounds with pellet pistols.

One of the two siblings attended Amboy Middle School and the other Battle Ground High School, according to school district spokesperson Kelly Keister.

The expulsions have been appealed, said Keister.

The incident occurred April 17. Assistant principal Ken Evans said he saw a student on the roof of the school about 6:15 p.m., and told him to come down.

Evans located the second student. He said three calls to 9-1-1 failed to result in a response. After about 45 minutes, the students were sent home, he said.

Another person on the playground, said Evans, took possession of the pellet pistols which have been returned to the family, he said.

Keister said expelled students are sometimes returned to school with conditions, and other times attend alternative schools.

LIBRARY BOARD PLANS SEPTEMBER BOND VOTE

Vancouver voters will decide in September whether to fund construction of a new main library in downtown Vancouver, and a new eastside library.

The board of trustees will decide in May the terms of the bond proposal and its cost to taxpayers.

The measure will be decided by voters in the previously-established Vancouver Library Capital Facility Area which is inside the Vancouver city limits.

The funds would be used to construct a new 90,000 square foot main library in the proposed Riverwest development a E Evergreen Blvd. and Fort Vancouver Way, a site presently occupied by Bills Copps auto dealership.

The plan also calls for construction of a 25,000 square foot library adjacent to the new Firstenburg Community Center in east Vancouver to replace the 2,500 square foot Cascade Park library on SE Hearthwood Blvd.

The city of Vancouver has committed land for the new eastside library.

Vancouver voters turned down a $48 million bond measure in 2004 with 55.6 percent approval margin, and a gain $44 million plan in 2005 with a 59.37 percent yes votes.

The two defeated measures would have cost taxpayers about 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for 20 years.

A 60 percent approval margin is required for passage.

Before deciding on another bond measure attempt in the Vancouver area, the board considered placing a district-wide levy measure on the ballot to be decided by voters in the three counties and Woodland that the library serves.

Had the board chosen the district-wide approach, libraries throughout the service area would have benefitted, including the Battle Ground construction project which would have gained some $500,000, officials said. That plan would have cost taxpayers about 8 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in the first year and raised about $3.4 million each year.

The board also considered adding 25,000 square feet at the main library's current location instead of building elsewhere, but decided that new construction would be more cost effective than remodeling.

SADIE GOES FISHING FOR SELF

Sadie, a purebred German Shepherd, got a little tangled up in fishing lures last week, requiring extrication by veterinarian Dale Lake of the Battle Ground Animal Hospital.

Sadie's owner, Trista Martinez, said Sadie, age 6, somehow got into fishing equipment on top of a tall table, "nosed" around until a 3-prong lure entered her nostril, and then broke the line between the lure and a fishing pole.

The Martinez family returned from a soccer game April 15 to find Sadie happily trying to toss-and-catch the lure around her head.

"She's supposed to be smart," said Martinez of the German Shepherd breed. "But she's always doing something."

Martinez said Sadie once ran through a screen door while chasing a cat, and on another occasion got her head stuck in styrofoam packing.

Fortunately, said Martinez, her husband, Jason, removes barbs from hooks because he is a catch-and-release fisherman.

Dr. Lake sedated Sadie before removing the errant hook.

The Martinez family also has a lab named Nanook who was the subject of news accounts last January when he fell into the Lewis River near Daybreak and spent 18 hours in the water before being located. Nanook survived that experience and is now fine, said Martinez.

Nanook slipped from a muddy ledge and fell into the river about 2 p.m. on Jan. 15. Steep terrain and blackberry brambles prevent family members from reaching the dog.

The family believed Nanook had been swept away in the river.

At daylight the next day, Trista Martinez returned to the park and heard faint whining sounds. With the aid of firefighters from Fire District 11, Nanook was retrieved from the cold waters.

LAKES READY FOR EXPECTED FISHING RUSH

Officials of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife expect some 300,000 people of all ages to take rod and real to area lakes on Sat., April 29, for the opening day of the lowland lake fishing season.

The turnout would make opening day "The Biggest Sporting Event in Washington," which is the theme of this year's start of fishing season.

Over 21 million fish have been stocked since last year and continue to be stocked as April 29 approaches.

Officials planted over 6 million trout fry in 396 lowland lakes statewide last spring and fall, and are now catchable size at 7-10 inches.

In southwest Washington, most lakes are open year-round, but the spring fishing "opener" on the last Saturday in April signals the traditional start of intense fishing activity. Officials note that anglers could take advantage of good fishing in March and early April, prior to the official opening day, when area lakes have been stocked.

Planted trout tend to remain in the top 3-5 feet of water for up to a week after planting. Anglers can improve their success rate by shallow-trolling with small lures or baits during such periods.

Licenses required

Children through age 14 to no need a license to fish.

Annual license fee for youth age 15 is $7.67.

Freshwater licenses for resident adults age 16-69 cost $21.90. Licenses for resident seniors age 70 and over cost $5.48

One-day licenses and licenses for non-residents are available.

The annual Free Fishing Weekend, when licenses are not required, is set for Sat.-Sun., June 10-11. Catch record cards will still be required for Dungeness crab, steelhead, salmon, sturgeon and halibut, in most waters.

Triploid program continues

Some lakes have been stocked with triploid trout averaging 1 1/2 pounds each, including Klineline Pond in Hazel Dell and Horseshoe Lake in Woodland.

Triploid are sterile rainbows that are voracious feeders and have the potential to grow to trophy size if not harvested the first season.

Nearly 61,000 triploid trout have been stocked statewide, with more slated for late May in some lakes.

Here's a look at prospects at some area lakes. Fargher Lake north of Battle Ground is privately owned and no longer open to the public for fishing and no longer stocked from state hatcheries. All lakes listed below are open year-round.

Battle Ground Lake

The 30-acre Battle Ground Lake, located inside Battle Ground Lake State Park northeast of Battle Ground, has been stocked with 24,000 rainbow and cutthroat trout, plus 174 broodstock measuring 14 inches or larger. Surplus hatchery steelhead were planted during late winter. Largemouth bass are also caught.

Good bank access; no internal combustion motors. Catch record card not required. Daily limit applies of five trout with no more than two over 20 inches.

Klineline Pond

Klineline Pond, located just west of I-5 next to Salmon Creek and north of Hazel Dell, Klineline Pond is planted with more than 35,000 rainbow trout, 10,000 brown trout, and over 1,000 triploid trout.

The pond also contains cutthroat trout, hatchery summer and winter steelhead and brookstock rainbows.

Daily limit of five fish with no more than two over 20 inches applies.

Lacamas Lake

Lacamas Lake is a 315 acre body of water near Camas. The lake has been stocked with about 18,000 rainbow trout and 17,000 brown trout.

Officials report fair-to-good action for largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, brown bullheads and a few pumpkinseed sunfish and channel catfish.

Boat launch available.

Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake, an 80-acre lake located in the city of Woodland, has been planted with about 6,500 brown trout, 16,000 rainbow trout, and 1,300 triploid trout.

The lake also yields larger broodstock and hatchery steelhead. Largemouth bass are also present. Catch record card is not required. Five fish daily limit applies.

Merwin Reservoir

Merwin Reservoir is an impoundment on the North Fork of the Lewis River located near Ariel between Clark and Cowlitz counties.

Merwin was planted with more than 67,000 kokanee fry which now measure about 12 inches. Angling is best in early spring.

Tiger muskies were planted in 1995 to help control pikeminnow populations. There is a 36-inch minimum size limit on muskies.

Pacificorp operates boat launches at Speelyai Bay and Cresap Bay.

Kress Lake

Kress Lake, a spring-fed, 30-acre lake located near I-5 and Kalama River Road and three miles north of Kalama, is stocked with more than 13,000 rainbow trout, 6,500 brown trout and 750 triploid trout.

The lake also yields broodstock trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, winter steelhead and channel catfish.

Gasoline motors are not allowed. Bank access is plentiful. Daily limit of five fish with no more than two over 20 inches applies.

Information, Joe Hymer, 906-6740.

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

The details aren't final and the outcome remains unknown, but Battle Ground is looking toward an expanded city, especially on the west side of town.

Under Clark County's draft urban growth plan, the city will grow by about 1,500 acres to the west by 2020, putting 92nd Avenue within the city boundary. Another 100 acres or more to the north will be added and zoned for commercial use.

The Clark County commissioners have indicated they will accept the city's long-range growth plan, but the final map is not expected before September. A draft environmental impact statement, now being written, will be released some time this summer.

Battle Ground planner Brian Carrico said that even with tentative approval, the city's proposed urban growth boundaries could change.

Land within the urban growth boundary is considered eligible for annexation with full city services.

Much of the new area has been planned for a mix of residential, commercial or business office uses, including a 10-acre square on the northwestern corner where retail-residential mixed use is planned.

The mixed-use zone allows no more than 25 percent retail, Carrico said.

Another 160 acres south of 219th Street have been tentatively earmarked for a similar mix of housing and retail, but Carrico said the city council may modify that proposed zoning to increase retail opportunities.

Three widely-spaced, mixed-use employment zones have been mapped on the north, west and south. Carrico said these zones allow homes and businesses, with no more than 25 percent of the land used for homes. Carrico said the city hopes to attract businesses with fairly high employment to these zones.

The northern section of the city along Lewisville Highway north of 244th Street has been planned exclusively for employment opportunities, Carrico said. A small portion of the area could be considered for retail.

"It's a large parcel, flat and readily usable," he said. "It's near a major intersection."

The city's only proposed industrial zone lies on the southern end of the city near SR 503.

During county work sessions last winter, the commissioners made few changes to either the Battle Ground or Vancouver plans.

Two other North Clark County cities, La Center and Ridgefield, are working with county officials to develop their long-range plans.

County Commissioner Betty Sue Morris said recently that the 20-year comprehensive plan is expected to be finished before the end of the year.

PUD DISMANTLES PARROT NESTS

Roosts removed when trapping fails

Bill Myers

staff reporter

Officials of Clark Public Utilities have directed the removal of two parrot nests from power poles in Yacolt.

About 30 birds, known as Quaker or monk parakeets, had built a nest atop a transformer pole and were building another nest on Hubbard St.

Officials believe the birds, often seen nuzzling in pairs on power lines, were comforted by the buzzing of high voltage electrical currents moving in wires near them.

The parakeets flew into the night April 11 when utility workers turned the power off and started to raise conservation volunteers in truck-crane service baskets.

Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said an effort to trap and relocate the birds was necessary because the birds would be electrocuted if their bodies linked contacts in the transformer.

Nest material could also cause power outages or damage equipment, said Shutt.

Shutt said such parakeets have constructed several hundred nests on Florida Power & Light Co. power facilities.

The Florida company is now euthanizing the birds, said Shutt.

Bird rescuers at the scene

Volunteers Chris Driggins and Chris Dahlenberry, members of Northwest Bird Rescues, were at the Yacolt site.

Both men were in the utility basket, hoping to humanely net the birds and protect any eggs.

Driggins said the nests contained no eggs.

"The utility people really want to protect the birds," said Driggins. Agents with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife also helping, he said.

Driggins said several Yacolt citizens offered to keep the birds as pets in suitable backyard cages.

After the failed attempt, Driggins dismantled the nest. Another nest, started recently on another power pole about a block away, was also dismantled.

Utility workers sprayed an ammonia solution at the nesting sites to discourage the parakeets from re-building.

SEWAGE HITS GEE CREEK

Equipment failure blamed for lift station spill

Bill Myers

staff reporter

A pump and warning system failure April 9 caused raw sewage to enter the Gee Creek drainage.

Ridgefield interim city manager Justin Clary, at an April 13 city council meeting, said a pump failed sometime Sunday night at Heron Ridge Lift Station, 440 Heron Ridge Dr. An automatic-dial warning system designed to alert workers when a pump isn't working also failed, said Clary.

The tank at the lift station overflowed, spilling what officials say is a maximum of about 23,000 gallons of raw sewage into an adjacent stormwater facility.

The overflow was noticed during Monday morning security checks.

City workers promptly installed portable pumps to pump the stormwater/sewage mixture back into the lift station, said Clary. The portable pumps ran for about 76 hours and removed about 228,000 gallons of water from the stormwater facility.

Clary said unknown amounts of the sewage reached the Gee Creek drainage. He said E-coli testing upstream from a discharge point near the event on Monday showed 97 E-coli per 100 millileters of water. Downstream testing showed 5,172 E-coli per 100 millileters.

Tests on Tuesday showed normal ranges for E-coli, both up and downstream from the event, said Clary.

Clary said officials of the state departments of Health and Ecology were promptly notified and a Spill Report was sent April 13.

City workers are investigating causes of the pump and alarm system failures.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ABUSE OF ELDERLY WOMAN

Heidi Wallenborn

news director

Loren Michael Low walked away from Clark County Superior Court judge Roger Bennett's presence as a free man.

Low pleaded guilty April 13 to second degree criminal mistreatment of a 79-year-old woman who had been in his care for nearly three years.

Previously, Low faced charges of second degree assault, unlawful imprisonment/domestic violence, second degree rape, and abandonment of a dependent person.

Bennett sentenced Low to 59 days jail, with 59 days credit for time served, setting Low free the day he pleaded guilty.

Low will be monitored by the Clark County Sheriff's Office for one year, and pay fines and fees. A restitution hearing will be set.

"Primary caregiver for the basic necessities"

Low was arrested Feb. 15 while enjoying a winning hand of poker at a La Center casino.

A Sheriff's deputy tactical team were unsuccessful in acting on a warrant for his arrest the day before, descending with weapons and a K-9 unit on a rental home near Battle Ground. Low was not home at the time of the raid.

The victim met Low when she lived in Vancouver. The two struck up a friendship and over time. The victim agreed to sell her home and let Low become her caregiver for the rest of her life in exchange for $20,000, according to court records.

Reportedly using the victim's money, Low bought another home in the Venersborg area east of Battle Ground. He put the victim's belongings in storage, denied her food, and ate in front of her, the victim alleged. She slept without a mattress on the floor.

The victim was not allowed to leave her room except to use the bathroom, and when Low ran errands so she could write the checks for purchases.

It is unclear when the two moved to the Battle Ground rental home.

Court records indicate the victim had survived an attempted rape, beatings, and near starvation over nearly three years, reports indicate. Low also reportedly took the victim's Social Security checks.

The crimes came to light after Low pushed the victim out of the passenger side of a vehicle on W Main St. in Battle Ground. She walked to a nearby clinic to be treated for her injuries. Low had driven away, leaving her behind.

The victim has been taken to a shelter out of the area. She told deputies that she didn't call 911 or try to escape during the time she was imprisoned because she was "scared to death" of Low, court records state.

WOODLAND MEETING ENDS ON SOUR NOTE

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

Woodland's regular city council meeting ended abruptly April 17, following a disagreement about agenda items.

Council member Jim Tone was absent for most of the meeting, leaving the council with only four voting members.

Because of Tone's excused absence, Mayor Doug Monge removed four items from the agenda, saying that he wanted the full council present for discussion and vote.

Two agenda items involved new ordinances governing transportation impact fees and critical areas that have drawn opposition from businesses and developers.

If the council had split, 2-2, the ordinances would not have passed because the mayor is not allowed to vote to break a tie when an ordinance is being considered.

Council member John J. Burke objected when Monge said he would remove the agenda items.

"Some of these things have been pending, pending," said Burke.

Burke also accused the mayor of inconsistency in deciding when to change the agenda.

"When I asked to pull an item from the agenda earlier this year, it was denied," he said. "Maybe we should just adjourn."

Monge said he was trying to establsh a consistent method for dealing with absences. "We've had issues in the past when there were four members," he said.

Council member Darwin Rounds asked whether the council should have met with one member absent.

"Could we have notice in the future that if we don't have a full council, we don't meet?" he asked.

Council member Erica Rainford also argued with Monge's decision, although she said she "agreed" that a full council should be present to discuss and vote on controversial issues.

She said, however, that a decision to pull agenda items "should be consistent," and she said that when she had asked for an item to be removed, the request had been denied.

Tone arrived in the chambers as the Meriwether annexation was approved, but as he prepared to sit down, Rainford moved for an adjournment and the meeting ended.

One of the items removed from the agenda was a budget amendment that provided salaries for five new city jobs, including an assistant engineer for public works, a police officer, a fire training officer and a permits clerk. The salaries and benefits total $149,050 for a partial year.

The items are scheduled for the May 1 agenda.

Alice Perry Linker

staff reporter

From financial matters to education to health care, three state legislators covered issues of concern to businesses during a Woodland Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Sen. Joe Zarelli and reps. Richard Curtis and Ed Orcutt, all Republicans, spoke April 18 in Woodland.

The three said they support tax increment financing that passed the 2006 Legislature. Zarelli said the legislation that helps pay for capital investment "creates opportunity."

Orcutt also praised tax breaks given to industry and business, saying, "tax breaks given to one industry can help all businesses."

Curtis, who serves on the legislative transportation committee, said he "intends to make SR-503 a priority."

"We've fallen behind in 503 along Lewis River Road," he said.

"Transportation funds should support infrastructure, while we seek transportation efficiencies," he said. "We need to get roads built while we can afford them."

Orcutt criticized the biodiesel law that sends money to Eastern Washington to help farmers grow crops such as canola for biodiesel fuel. The funds also will help to build processing plants. Orcutt said a Longview company that plans to process the fuel received no government help.

"When we've got people in the private sector, we should let them do it," he said. "There is no (biodiesel) money to private business; it all goes to governments in Eastern Washington."

Zarelli criticized a state bill that underwrites health insurance for small businesses.

"This bill is a form of state-sponsored health care," he said. "It's not good for business."

Another health care proposal would have "let the market create what people are willing to buy," Zarelli said, but that proposal did not pass.

On the education front, Curtis said he supports a study of skill centers that would prepare students for jobs in the trades.

"We have hundreds of new trade jobs, and we've got to fill those," he said.

"I've proposed an amendment to define a high school diploma," he said. "Not all students fit in the same mold. We can't put all students in the same program."

He also expressed concern that students are not prepared to enter four-year universities.

"We're trying to make our children competitive," said Curtis. "Should we have year-round schools, longer days, early childhood education?"

He said he supports a Fort Vancouver Regional Library program that sends children's books home with newborns.

He said, however, that he is cautious about the state's approach to studying early childhood learning.

"We're creating a new bureaucracy," he said. "We do create another area that has to be funded."

The early childhood learning bill sets up an agency to study how children learn and how to bring education to very young children.

OBITS

DONALD BAGGETT

Donald Kenneth Baggett, 78, died April 16, 2006, in Vancouver.

Baggett was born May 25, 1927 in Vancouver. He was a 63-year resident of Yacolt.

Baggett served in the U.S. Army in WWII, and was a sergeant stationed in Alaska. He worked as a logger in the timber industry, then for various companies until he retired.

Baggett was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Louise Baggett, on April 12, 2005, and a sister, Lillian Chelsey.

Baggett is survived by sons Ronald Baggett and Donald Baggett Jr., both of Yacolt, and Steven Baggett of Kelso, daughters Donna Crisman of Alaska and Darline Baggett of Yacolt, sisters Wanda Patterson, Ella Cahoon, and Virginia Boyer, all of Battle Ground, and Patricia O'Day of Arizona, seven grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

No services will be held.

Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground was in charge of arrangements.

MICHAEL NELSEN

Michael Joseph Nelsen, 47, died April 9, 2006 in Vancouver.

Nelsen was born Dec. 17, 1958 in Chicago, IL. He was a 12-year resident of Clark County, residing the last four and one-half years in Battle Ground.

Nelsen was employed as a tool and die maker in the metal parts fabrication industry. He enjoyed machining, and loved Chevy Camaros and motorcycling. He liked comedy television, having coffee with his friends, and enjoyed working on cars and with metal.

Nelsen is survived by son Max Nelsen of Battle Ground, daughter Rachel Nelsen of Battle Ground, and sister Ingrid Kroff of Virginia.

Interment took place in St. Michael's Cemetery, Palatine, IL., with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.

VERA EVERETT

Vera Mae (Jones) Everett, 85, died April 15, 2006, in Battle Ground.

Everett was born March 16, 1921 in Hagar, CO. She was a Portland resident for 50 years, and lived the last two and one-half years in Battle Ground.

Everett worked as a teachers aid at former Thompson Elementary School in Portland. She was also a homemaker and enjoyed baking and sewing.

Everett was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Edward Everett, in 1978.

Everett is survived by daughter Karen Partridge of Battle Ground, son Larry Everett of Portland, sister Lorraine Sal of Idaho, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Private services were held with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Northwest, 12590 SE Park St., Portland, OR 97233.

ROSELLA KNUDSON

Rosella E. (Moor) Knudson, 91, died April 23, 2006, in Vancouver.

Knudson was born April 11, 1915 near Mineral Springs, ND to Alfred and Lily (Beck) Moor. She was raised on the family farm northwest of Bowman, ND. She met her future husband in Longview, and after marriage, lived in the area for several years.

Knudson worked in the restaurant and caregiving businesses.

Family members say Knudson was well-liked and loved, always looked for the good in everyone, and always shared with anyone in whatever she had.

Knudson was preceded in death by her husband, Curly Knudson in 1961, sisters Florence Trhlik, Eleanor Narum, Pearl Olson, and Lillian Brooks, brother Andrew Moor, sons Allen Knudson and Lyle Knudson, grandson Kyle A. Knudson, and granddaughters Lori Smith and Kathy Knudson.

Knudson is survived by son Van Knudson of Yacolt, sisters Miriam Hjertstedt of Lynnwood, and Eunice Ruggles of North Dakota, brother David Moor of Woodland, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, nine great--great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Private services were held with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

EDRA COX

Edra Cox, 98, died April 23, 2005 in Vancouver.

Cox was born March 25, 1908 in Tishomingo, OK. He was a 44-year resident of Clark County, the last 11 years in Battle Ground.

Cox worked as a carpentry laborer and was a janitor and bus driver for La Center Schools for several years.

Cox was an active member of Landmark Christian Assembly, Battle Ground Oddfellows, Hockinson Finn Lodge, and was a 47-year member and past master of La Center Grange. He enjoyed farming, bowling, pinochle, and attending SNAP.

Cox was preceded in death by his son Richard Cox.

Cox is survived by Lavern Cox, his wife of 10 years, sons Marion Cox of Battle Ground and Jerry Cox of Idaho, step-children Darlyne Bump of Vancouver, and Duwayne White and David White, both of Oregon, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Wed., April 26, 10 a.m., at Landmark Christian Assembly with private interment in Grandview Cemetery, Grandview, WA. Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground is in charge of arrangements.

BETSY ZIMMERMAN

Betsy Allen (Gardner) Zimmerman, 85, died April 17, 2006, in Marysville.

Zimmerman was born Nov. 11, 1920, in Portland, and attended Grant High School in Portland and the University of Oregon. She married Everett West in 1937. Their daughter, Linda, was born in 1939.

In the early 1940s, Zimmerman had lived in Woodland. She was employed by United Airlines when she married Myrle Kline. After his death, she married Clifford Zimmerman and lived in Mill Creek.

Zimmerman was a member of the Mayflower Society and the United Airlines Retirement Association.

Zimmerman was preceded in death by daughter Linda, twin sister Nancy Thayer in 1985, sister Phyllis Hazen in 1991, and brother Daniel Gardner in 1972. Survivors include brother Maurice Gardner of California, two grandsons, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Sat., April 29, 1 p.m., at the Gardner Cemetery on Hayes Road in Woodland. Zimmerman's great-grandfather Daniel Gardner, head of the pioneer family, donated land for the cemetery. Friends and family are welcome.

The Schafer Shipman Funeral Home, Marysville, is in charge of arrangements.

NANCY DEADRICH

Nancy G. Deadrich, 55, died April 19, 2006, at home in Ridgefield, following a battle with cancer.

Deadrich was born Nov. 18, 1950, in San Leandro, CA. She lived in Puyallup, San Francisco area, and Nevada, before moving to Clark County about two years ago.

Deadrich worked as a paralegal, enjoyed with law firms in California and Tacoma area. She served as president of the Legal Secretaries of Seattle. She has been described as having extraordinary knowledge and skill in her work.

Deadrich enjoyed gardening, crafts, cats and other animals. She was a member of the Exchange Club, a service organization in San Francisco. She was a caregiver for relatives and pets.

Deadrich was preceded in death by sister Betsy Buck. Survivors include mother Bette Deadrich of Battle Ground, father Paul Deadrich of Nevada, sisters Jan Robinson of Ridgefield and Dianne Deadrich of Nevada, brothers John Deadrich of South Carolina and Major David Deadrich in Iraq, and nieces and nephews.

Davies Cremation & Burial Services was in charge of arrangements.

EILENE GRIFFIN

Eilene M. (Fender) Griffin, 70, died April 21, 2006, in Vancouver.

Griffin was born Dec. 14, 1935, in Burlington, lived in Skagit County for 30 years and then in Clark County for 40 years.

Griffin enjoyed reading, needle crafts and baking. She raised funds to support schools, fire services and library bookmobile in the Yacolt area.

Survivors include widower Gaylord Griffin of Vancouver, sister Lorine McCasland of Marysville, sons Gary Curry of Bellingham and Gregg Griffin of Oregon, daughters Gayle Griffin of Iowa and Geri Ries of Ohio, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held Fri., April 28, 10 a.m., at Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, with Davis Cremation & Burial Services in charge of arrangements.